THE LIBERTY LEAGUE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume X, Issue 471, 3 August 1899, Page 18

THE LIBERTY LEAGUE.

Formation of New Plymouth Branch. A numerously attended meeting was held in the large room of the Farmers’ Club, New Plymouth, on Monday evening in last week, to consider the desirability of establishing a local branch of the Liberty League, which has been successfully started in Christchurch and Wellingtan. Mr Samuel, by a unanimous vote, was elected to the chair, and explained the natnre and objects of a society such as it was proposed to establish. He referred to the encroachments, both actual and contemplated, on individual freedom, liberty of thought, and liberty of action. Such interference with personal liberty was no new thing, but whenever and wherever it had been attempted the result had been disastrous. He trusted that the League would take root here and send out ramifications, which would tend to bind the whole community together to resist the insidious attacks being made on the rights of individuals by the prohibitionist agitators. If the latter proved successful in their endeavors, the result would be disastrous not only to trade and commerce, but also to the wellrbeing of the community. Mr Samuul then read the projected scheme of the League. The following resolutions were then carried unanimously:— That a branch of the Liberty League be formed at New Plymouth, and that the following be accordingly adopted as its constitution : 1. The Liberty League is composed of men and women who are prepared to use every constitutional means to uphold and protect the liberty of the subject. 2. The League is entirely free from political party bias. 3. The League will not give its support to any candidate for Parliamentary honors who is. an extremist or faddist upon any subject affecting injuriously the individual rights of the people. 4. The League considers that one of the most serious menaces to personal liberty is the attempt now being made to force prohibition upon the public of New Zealaud, and that were such an attempt successful it would only be the forerunner of further tyrannical encroachments upon individual freedom. 5. The League will advocate and support every reform having for its object the extension of personal liberty. Mr Newton King was elected the President of the League, on the motion of Mr Samuel, seconded by Captain Capel. The following resolutions were adopted: — 44 That the following members of this branch of the League be elected Vice-Presidents, viz., Messrs. Henry Weston, Wm. Bayly, and Alex. Shuttleworth. “That the following members of this branch of the League be the committee of the New Plymouth branch (five to form a quorum), with power to add to their number, viz., Captain Capel, Messrs. Arthur Standish, W L. Newnan, Paul, Westmacott, Corkill, Richmond, Kerr, Godsal, R. Cock, W. Bewley, Teed, and T. Avery.” “That Mr W. W. Collins, a member of the Christchurch branch, be requested to visit Taranaki and address meetings in furtherance of the objects of the League.” Mr C. D. Whitcombe was appointed secretary to the branch. It was resolved that men and women should be eligible for membership, and that the committee be authoiised to enrol members.